The LIMAS - Newala Productivity Project (NPP)

GOAL

To improve the income of 2,000 smallholder farmers in Newala District, Mtwara Region
by introducing pulses (pigeon pea and common beans) and soybean

LOCATION

Chilangala ward, Newala District, Mtwara Region, Tanzania

DURATION-

2013

-

2019

FARMERS

2000 Farmers -7 Village Groups

VALUE CHAINS

Common Beans, Maize, Pigeon Pea, Soybean

PARTNERS

ETC Group (ETG), Naliendele Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Lindi and Mtwara Agribusiness Support (LIMAS)

FUNDING

USD 116,000

The LIMAS - Newala Productivity Project (NPP)

The LIMAS - Newala Productivity Project (NPP), exemplifies the EFF’s dedication to reducing poverty in remote, sparse, and resource-constrained farming communities in Tanzania. In collaboration with Lindi and Mtwara Agribusiness Support (LIMAS), this initiative unfolded over six years in Chilangala ward, Newala District, Mtwara Region, impacting 2,000 farmers across seven villages.

The project sought to equip smallholder communities with the knowledge and skills needed for agricultural growth in the maize, and pulses and soybean value chains. Although many of these communities were already cultivating pigeon pea as a cash crop, they had limited access to inputs, markets, and essential agronomic knowledge to significantly improve their yields and income.

EFF's multifaceted approach, included the establishment of trial plots for training and research, aiming to identify the most suitable pigeon pea variety under varying conditions. Farmers were introduced to improved agronomic practices, and the impact of superior seeds on yield became evident through practical demonstrations. To further incentivise quality production, EFF introduced input finance and guaranteed prices. Recognising the importance of a holistic approach, EFF engaged with various stakeholders, including lead farmers, community leaders, farmer organisations, government warehousing staff, and buyers. This collaborative effort improved the aggregation process, tonnage estimates for buyers, logistics, and storage. Notably, EFF forged a partnership with TIGO, a mobile network operator, introducing a mobile payment system in Chilangala and Tanga farming communities.

By addressing knowledge gaps, facilitating access to inputs and markets, and embracing technological solutions, the project became a transformative force in the lives of 2,000 farmers, illustrating the potential of comprehensive agricultural interventions in uplifting communities.

Agricultural Productivity: Enhance agricultural productivity through sustainable and climate-smart practices, improved access to quality seeds, fertilisers, and modern technologies, and training for small-scale farmers. b. Irrigation and Water Management: Promote water conservation techniques, efficient irrigation systems, and integrated water resource management to ensure a reliable water supply for agriculture. c. Diversification: Encourage crop diversification to enhance food availability and household nutrition by promoting the cultivation of smart food crops and high-value crops for increased income generation. d. Storage and Distribution: Strengthen post-harvest management and improve storage infrastructure to reduce household food losses; and promote efficient aggregation systems for improved inputs distribution and access to markets. e. Market Linkages & Financial Services: Support the establishment or farmer cooperatives/ organisations for effective produce aggregation and market linkages, and provide technical assistance to enable small-scale producers to access domestic and international markets and financial services, fostering income generation and economic growth. f. Skills Training and Capacity Building: Facilitate agronomic training, entrepreneurship development, and business management skills to enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers and communities to generate sustainable incomes.
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